Codenames: A Comprehensive Guide to the Word Association Game
Codenames has rapidly gained popularity as a top party board game due to its simple rules and quick gameplay. Unlike many games that struggle with larger player counts, Codenames excels with four or more players. Beyond the core game, several versions exist, including the cooperative Codenames: Duet. This guide navigates the various Codenames iterations. It's worth noting that there's no truly "wrong" starting point; variations offer minor adjustments for different age groups and preferences, often incorporating popular franchises like Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.
The Core Game: Codenames
- MSRP: $24.99 USD
- Age: 10+
- Players: 2-8
- Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames involves two teams, each with a spymaster who provides one-word clues to help their teammates identify their secret agents (codenames) on a 5x5 grid. The challenge lies in crafting clues that only guide your team, avoiding the assassin card which results in an immediate loss. Spymasters determine the number of codenames their team attempts to guess, balancing risk and reward. While playable with 2-8 players, optimal gameplay occurs with even-numbered groups of four or more.
Codenames Spin-offs
Codenames: Duet
- MSRP: $24.95 USD
- Age: 11+
- Players: 2
- Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Duet is a cooperative two-player version. Both players act as spymasters, using clues to identify their shared agents without encountering assassin cards. It includes 200 new cards compatible with the base game and is a standalone option.
Codenames: Pictures
- MSRP: $24.95 USD
- Age: 10+
- Players: 2-8
- Play Time: 15 mins
Codenames: Pictures replaces words with images, offering broader descriptive possibilities and potentially lowering the age requirement. It uses a 5x4 grid and is otherwise similar to the original, allowing for mixing word and picture cards.
Codenames: Disney Family Edition
- MSRP: $24.99 USD
- Age: 8+
- Players: 2-8
- Play Time: Varies
This themed version features words and images from Disney films, playable like the original or Codenames: Pictures, or a combination. It offers a simpler 4x4 mode without an assassin card, enhancing accessibility for younger players.
Codenames: Marvel Edition
- MSRP: $24.99 USD
- Age: 9+
- Players: 2-8
- Play Time: 15 mins
This Marvel-themed edition uses images and words from the Marvel universe, with teams represented by S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA. Gameplay mirrors the base game or Codenames: Pictures.
Codenames: Harry Potter
- MSRP: $24.99 USD
- Age: 11+
- Players: 2
- Play Time: 15 mins
This cooperative two-player version, similar to Duet, uses images and words from the Harry Potter universe.
Larger Card Versions: XXL
XXL versions of the base game, Duet, and Pictures offer larger cards for improved readability.
Online Play
A free online version is available, allowing for online play with friends.
Discontinued Versions
Several versions, including Codenames: Deep Undercover (an adult-themed version) and Codenames: The Simpsons Family Edition, are no longer in print but may be found secondhand.
Conclusion
Codenames is a highly enjoyable party game, best suited for groups of four or more. Duet and the Harry Potter version offer excellent two-player options. Themed versions cater to various franchise fans, and XXL versions provide accessibility for players with vision challenges.
